Belfast City Council is calling for expressions of interest from Belfast based small businesses, community groups and schools to create a temporary city centre social farm or garden for around 18 months.

Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "Our Bolder Vision for Belfast includes encouraging a greener, less polluted city centre – so we want Grey to Green proposals to focus on urban farming, social gardening, or a community food growing initiative, possibly on a council owned site. We'll be supporting the project we fund through our Advisory Group’s expertise – and we'll be encouraging proactive community engagement to create a sense of ownership.

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"We're looking forward to seeing greater biodiversity in the city centre being achieved through the introduction of plants, flowers, bug hotels and bird boxes. This is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about food growing, nutrition, and how they link to our health and wellbeing."

An online information session is being held on Thursday August 10 at 6.30pm and those interested in attending should email [email protected] to receive a registration link.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm on Monday, August 21 and projects must be completed by February 29, 2024.